Breakups are probably one of the worst things to experience as a young adult. It’s hard ending a relationship with someone you really care about, but it makes things even worse when you get dumped just before Valentine’s Day. It’s a literal holiday of love––everything reminds you of them, feeling like a slap in the face and making the process of distancing yourself a lot more difficult.
If you’ve recently been through a breakup, spend this Valentine’s Day with yourself. While the pain of the breakup will inevitably sting a little extra this year, here are a few ways to help you cope.
1. Have a DIY spa night (with wine)
If you’re still feeling down about your breakup this Valentine’s Day, take time to give yourself some serious TLC by having your own DIY spa night! Start by running a nice hot bath and dropping in your favorite bath bomb to really feel pampered. Any bath bomb from Lush is a good place to start, especially ones like “Twilight” that are fused with lavender, which is bound to relax your body and mind.
Next, pick out a face mask you’ve been wanting to try. If you want to build up some confidence post-breakup, put one on and relax while the mask works its magic. If you don’t want to splurge, check out your local drugstore for masks that are affordable and work just as well as the high-end ones. A good clay mask like Freeman Beauty’s Rejuvenating Cucumber and Pink Salt Clay Mask digs deep into your pores, and leaves your skin looking refreshed and hydrated!
Finally, put on some quiet music, have a glass of wine, and soak in the tub with your mask on. By taking time to shower yourself with self-care, you’ll be that much closer to feeling emotionally healed from your heartache.
2. Bake yourself a treat
It seems like the best food to eat on Valentine’s Day is anything that’s sweet. While senselessly loading up on the candy and cupcakes might make you feel worse, baking for yourself may actually be the best thing to help you cope. Nicole, a junior at SUNY Oswego, says that baking is a great stress reliever. “[Baking] has always made me feel better, especially after a breakup. It keeps you busy and later, you get to eat your feelings away!” Not sure what to bake for yourself? Check out these healthy cookie and cake recipes that still taste delish!
3. Spend time with your family and friends
Spending time with those you love is the best remedy for a broken heart. Your friends and family are your biggest support system, and they’ll remind you that you’re a queen and you don’t need anyone to complete you. Spend time with them and focus on anything besides your breakup if you’re up for it–because isolating yourself during this difficult time may only make the process worse. This Valentine’s Day, focus your energy on the people you love the most, and who remind you how much they love you, too.
Related: 7 Galentine’s Celebration Ideas that Would Make Leslie Knope Proud
Let’s face it: breakups just suck. They might make you want to lay in bed, listen to sad Taylor Swift songs and cry. Don’t succumb to moping or isolating yourself this Valentine’s Day! Get out and hang with your girl gang, treat yourself to a relaxing night in or just bake your feelings away. Breaking up is not easy, especially before Valentine’s Day, but just remember to take it one day at a time and focus on the things that make you happy.